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Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings (about 60-70 pretzel bites) 1x

Description

This Pretzel Bites recipe is a delicious homemade snack featuring soft, chewy bites with a golden-brown crust. The dough is made with yeast for added fluffiness, briefly boiled in a baking soda solution to develop the characteristic pretzel texture and flavor, and baked to perfection. Perfectly brushed with melted butter and topped with sea salt, these bites are ideal for parties or casual snacking.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
  • 1 packet active yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

Boiling Solution

  • 1/3 cup baking soda
  • 8 cups water (for boiling)

Toppings

  • 1 large egg (whisked)
  • Sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
  • 3 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Make yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, active yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. If not foamy, discard and repeat.
  2. Add salt: Stir in the Kosher salt into the activated yeast mixture.
  3. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  4. Knead dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the all-purpose flour and yeast mixture. Knead on low to medium speed for 5 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
  5. Divide dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal sections.
  6. Roll out ropes: Roll each dough section into a rope about 15 inches long and 1 inch thick.
  7. Slice pretzel bites: Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut each rope into 1 1/2 to 2-inch pieces, creating approximately 60 to 70 pretzel bites. Optionally, make a small “x” cut on top of each bite for the classic look.
  8. Boil baking soda water: In a medium pot, bring 8 cups of water mixed with 1/3 cup baking soda to a boil over medium heat.
  9. Boil pretzel bites: Add 8 to 10 pieces of dough to the boiling water at a time, boiling each batch for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Prepare for baking: Brush each boiled pretzel bite with the whisked egg, then sprinkle with sea salt to taste.
  11. Bake pretzel bites: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. For an extra browned top, broil for the last minute, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  12. Butter and serve: Remove pretzel bites from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Lightly brush the tops with melted butter. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure water is lukewarm (around 110°F/43°C) to properly activate yeast.
  • If the yeast doesn’t foam, the mixture might be too hot, too cold, or the yeast may be expired.
  • Boiling in baking soda water is essential to develop the pretzel’s characteristic crust and flavor.
  • Cutting an “x” on top is optional but gives a classic pretzel appearance.
  • Brush with egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust and help sea salt stick.
  • Serve with mustard, cheese dip, or any favorite sauce for a tasty snack.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pretzel bites, homemade pretzels, soft pretzels, snack recipe, party food